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Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond

The differences between cubic zirconia vs diamond just by looking at the stones can be subtle or distinct depending on the quality of the gemstones, while the chemical make-up and physical properties between these two stones are quite different.

To find out how cubic zirconia compares to a diamond, and if this is the right diamond simulant for you, check out the helpful info below.

Cubic Zirconia Fast Fun Facts!

Although a hard stone, CZ can be scratched by diamonds and strong gemstones like sapphires and rubies.

CZ that forms in nature is known as baddeleyite.

Baddeleyite is a very rare mineral - all jewelry CZ is synthesized in a laboratory.

Take a look at the table below, to see the main difference between cubic zirconia and real diamonds.

Cubic Zirconia

Diamond

Hardness

8.5

10.0

Density

5.5 – 5.9

3.5 – 3.53

Dispersion

0.058 – 0.066

0.044

Refractive Index

2.088 – 2.176

2.418

Flawless

Always

Rare

Cost

Low

High

Hardness of Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond

A cz simulant is
not as hard as a real diamond - and a cz gemstone can become scratched
and cloudy with time (not only due to its softer physical properties but because cz stones have a tendency to absorb oils). Because of the difference in hardness, cz jewelry pieces - especially every day wear cz wedding ring sets and bands - require a lot more special care than rings and jewelry made with diamonds.

Density of Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond

The cz simulant will weigh a little more than a diamond - this added weight
is only slightly noticeable between most diamond and cubic zirconia
rings. Rings made with large carat cz gemstones compared to diamonds may
have more of a perceptible difference in weight - but still, it is a small amount even between larger carat gemstone rings.

Dispersion and Refractive Index of CZ vs Diamond

The dispersion
and refractive index properties of a gemstone affect how light passes
through and reflects off the gemstone. Dispersion occurs when light
passes through a gemstone and is scattered - or dispersed - contributing
to the gemstone's 'fire' or sparkle. The refractive index of a gemstone
is the angle of light which bends as it enters a gemstone -
contributing to the gemstone's 'brilliance.'

Each gemstone has a
specific refractive index, and gemologists and jewelers can easily identify cubic zirconia
from a diamond by measuring the refractive index of the stone with a
refractometer.

So how do these values contribute to the
differences between cz and a diamond?

A cubic zirconia has a higher
dispersion quality - an effect which is responsible for the 'fire' of a stone - and will sparkle and reflect light more than a
diamond. But, cubic zirconia has a lower refractive index - which results in a lower brilliance - than a diamond, so it does not 'capture' light in the same way
that a diamond will.

The differences in these values are only
slightly perceptible between a quality cubic zirconia simulant and a
diamond - and most people cannot tell a difference between the two by
sight alone. However, larger carat cubic zirconia stones will flash and
sparkle more than a large diamond, yet fail to achieve the level of brilliance and captivating depth a diamond displays, and as the carat size increases
between these two stones the visual differences are more
noticeable.

Larger carat sized cz wedding rings in particular can begin to look pretty fake, and so for couples looking for wedding and engagement rings for cheap prices that still look authentic, rings crafted with smaller carat cz gemstones - usually around 1 carat in size and smaller - will look more like real diamond rings.

Flawless Values in Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond

Cubic
zirconia simulants are always flawless - while diamonds almost always have
some small inclusions within their stones. A completely flawless
diamond is extremely rare and extremely valuable too.

Differences between flawless gemstones
and slightly included gemstones cannot usually be seen with the naked eye - a
high powered jeweler's loupe is needed in most cases to detect these differences (unless the diamond is not eye clean and contains visible inclusions or blemishes).

Flawlessness is another characteristic jewelers can use to identify cubic zirconia gemstones vs diamonds.

Cost of Cubic Zirconia and Diamonds

Cubic
zirconia simulants are - of course! - much, much more affordable than real diamonds. A one
carat hand-cut hand-polished cubic zirconia gemstone will retail for
around $20 dollars, whereas a one carat diamond with passable cut, color
and clarity grades will retail for around $1,500 dollars.

The
differences in price between cubic zirconia and diamonds becomes even
more significant with an increase in carat size. A mediocre 2 carat
diamond will retail for around $5,000 dollars (although many medium grade 2 carat diamonds start at around $7,000 and up) whereas a 2 carat cubic
zirconia simulant will retail for around $30 dollars.

The price
between fancy colored diamonds and fancy colored cubic zirconia
simulants is even greater. A small yellow fancy colored diamond can cost
more than $11,000 dollars, but a yellow fancy cubic zirconia is around
$20 dollars. If you are searching for an affordable fancy color engagement ring, a fancy cubic zirconia ring may be the perfect solution. (Yellow and pink cubic zirconia ring colors are this year's most popular styles). Although, affordable gemstones - like aquamarine and garnet - create beautiful, long lasting wedding rings too.

Now that you know the main differences between cubic zirconia vs diamond, take a look at Man Made Diamonds to see how cubic zirconia compares to other
types of diamond simulants and synthetics, such as moissanite, Nexus and
HPHT synthetic diamonds!